The Coroner found Kumanjayi Walker's shooter, Zachary Rolfe, was racist, and was enabled by a police force that bore "all the hallmarks of institutional racism".

This was not simply a case of "one bad apple" in the NT police - but the result of the complete normalisation of racist and dehumanising conduct. It was not only tolerated, but tacitly endorsed by NT Police.

Kumanjayi Walker's death was an entirely avoidable tragedy.

My thoughts are with Kumanjayi Walker's family and the community of Yuendumu who have anticipated this report for far too long and had to go through this painful process for years. They are exhausted, they are hurting and they deserve justice.

In the last week alone, there have been two further First Nations men - both in their 40s - who tragically died in custody, both at Parklea prison in NSW. These are not insulated incidents - but the result of systemic racism and systemic failure.

These deaths cast a shadow over NAIDOC Week celebrations. We need to get back to the origins of NAIDOC and call for a Day of Mourning for our people who continue to die at the hands of the system.

The Coroner, Elisabeth Armitage, recommended the NT Government invest in better supports for kids, early intervention, mental health and wrap-around youth service - advising the Yuendumu community to lead and deliver such services.

I welcome the recommendation that NT police engage directly with the Yuendumu leadership groups to develop mutual respect agreements, including on the carrying of firearms in the community.

NT Police need to respect the wishes of Walpiri Elder Ned Hargreaves by not bringing guns into Yuendumu.

The NT Government must fully implement her recommendations to see a change.

The inquest findings and recommendations highlight the importance of self-determined solutions for our people, and the support of our communities and children, rather than punishment.

The colonial legal system criminalises and harms our people and all too often kills them.

Diversionary programs, developed and led by community, can bring much better outcomes for the individual, the family and the whole community.

This should not just be another report that governments choose not to act on.

All the Coroner reports, Royal Commissions and inquiries are worth nothing if no action is taken.

Lidia Thorpe is a Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman and an independent senator for Victoria.